How much energy does it cost you yearly to run a family of 4

Electricity bills can sneak up on families, especially with appliances running all day, kids on screens, and heating or cooling to keep everyone comfortable. So, what does it actually cost to power a family of four in Australia each year?

In this blog, we’ll break down average energy usage, annual electricity costs, and how solar power can help households cut back without sacrificing comfort.

1. How much electricity does a family of 4 use?

The average Australian family of four uses between 20 to 25 kWh of electricity per day.

That adds up to:

• 7,300 to 9,125 kWh per year

  
  

This includes usage from:

• Fridge, washing machine, dishwasher

• Air conditioning or heating

• TVs, gaming consoles, and laptops

• Lighting and general appliances

• Pool or spa pumps (if applicable)

• Hot water systems (especially electric)

2. What does that cost per year?

The cost of electricity depends on where you live and who your energy provider is, but as a general guide:

• QLD average electricity rate (2025): 28 to 35 cents per kWh

• NSW/VIC: Often similar, but with more variation

• Some regions have time-of-use or demand charges that increase pricing

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Estimated yearly cost for a family of 4:

Daily Usage	Cost per kWh	Est. Annual Cost
20 kWh/day	$0.30	$2,190
25 kWh/day	$0.32	$2,920

For many families, energy bills sit between $2,000 to $3,000 per year and that’s without electric vehicles or all-electric appliances.

3. Factors that drive energy costs up

• Electric hot water systems

• Split or ducted air conditioning used often

• Teenagers at home during the day (screens, showers, and snacks)

• Electric dryers and ovens

• Pool pumps or outdoor lighting

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And of course, the more people at home more often, the more power gets used.

4. Can solar save you money?

Absolutely. A well-sized solar system can significantly offset or even eliminate grid usage during the day. Here's how it plays out:

Scenario	System Size	Annual Generation	Potential Savings
Average home	6.6 kW	~9,500 kWh	$2,500+ per year
Family home with battery	8 to 10 kW + 10 to 15 kWh battery	Full coverage	Up to 90 to 100% savings

With rebates and feed-in tariffs, many families are seeing payback periods of 3 to 6 years, depending on how much they self-consume.

5. How to reduce your energy bill even without solar

If you’re not ready for solar, here are other ways to reduce energy use:

• Switch to LED lighting

• Set air con to 24°C in summer and 19°C in winter

• Use timers on pool pumps and dryers

• Shop around for better energy plans

  
  

Final thoughts

Running a household of four in Australia costs most families around $2,000 to $3,000 per year in electricity alone. With power prices rising, many are turning to solar as a smarter, long-term solution.

Whether you’re just curious or ready to make a move, understanding your usage is the first step.

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